Stillwater, Minnesota3 people, 100 miles, 1 day
My friends and I wanted a summertime adventure, which in Minnesota means hitting the lake. We booked a Jeep in Stillwater and cruised through town to pick up coffee and pastries to get the day started. There was something exciting about having no strict plans, just the open road and a summer day ahead of us.
We picked up a few more supplies, then decided to take the long way into the city. The back roads were quiet and winding, lined with trees and lush with summer growth — the kind of drive where you roll the windows down and enjoy the breeze. With the trunk full and spirits high, we made our way toward the lake. The roof of the Wrangler was off, the music was cranked, and we couldn’t help but feel completely in the moment.
We pulled up to the beach and found the perfect spot to settle in. The lake was pure relief, cool and clear. We swam and floated, laughing between dives and splashes. It was exactly the kind of day we needed: a break from the heat and a place to feel weightless and free.
As the sun drifted lower, we headed over to the grilling area where we threw on some dogs. There’s something about eating outside in the summer that just makes everything taste better. After basking in the soft rustle of trees in the wind and the twinkle of stars in the sky, we headed back home with smiles on our faces.
Photos by Trevor N.